A Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ifo, Ogun State, has ordered the remand of the suspended traditional ruler of Orile Ifo, Oba Abdulsemiu Ogunjobi, in a correctional facility in Ilaro.
The embattled monarch was arraigned on a three-count charge of conspiracy, assault, and conduct likely to cause a breach of public peace.
The charges were brought against him by the police following a viral video that sparked public outrage.
In the video, Oba Ogunjobi was seen verbally and physically assaulting one of his chiefs, Arinola Abraham, an elderly man, accusing him of conspiracy and threatening him with dire consequences.
The clip, which made rounds on social media, showed Abraham kneeling on the road as Ogunjobi cursed him and his family, boasting about his influence over law enforcement agencies and threatening to jail the chief.
The Ogun State government had earlier suspended Ogunjobi for six months over what it described as “uncivil conduct.”
The state’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ganiu Hamzat, said the monarch’s actions were unbefitting of his status and undermined the sanctity of the traditional institution.
Hamzat explained that the suspension followed an interrogation involving Ogunjobi and his victim as the government sought to uphold the dignity of the traditional institution.
During the court proceedings, Ogunjobi pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Magistrate, however, granted him bail with conditions set at N5 million and two sureties, each required to deposit an additional N5 million.
The monarch’s failure to meet these bail conditions led to his remand at the Ilaro correctional centre.
The case has been adjourned until March 6 for further hearing.
